One week after we lost James and Jake, Brian and I were sitting in my OB’s office for a post-delivery visit. We sat in the waiting room and were instantly called back to wait in an exam room so we didn’t have to be surrounded by gigantic pregnant bellies and little, tiny newborns being nursed by their Moms.
(reason 1,432 why I love my doctor. She thinks of things like that.)
It was a hard visit, I mean, HARD. I remember at that point feeling so emotionally drained and physically tired that I could not figure out how I could have a real conversation with this doctor. This doctor who delivered James and Jake so carefully.
Anyway, Brian and I knew we wanted to get pregnant again and honestly, we wanted to do it immediately, but we wanted to be smart. We wanted to be emotionally ready. We wanted to give time to us and Anna and Noah for grieving. And we wanted to give this time to James and Jake.
We picked up one of those wheels, the kind that tell you when you’re ovulating and menstruating and then when you’re baby will be due. It’s actually quite freakish the amount of information that exists on one of those things.
We decided, that if we were ready, that we would try to get pregnant, that year in July. ”An April baby would be perfect.”
Come that July … we just were not ready. And after another pregnancy loss in February 2009, we decided to get advice medically on what we should do. And that led us to July of 2009. We had an appointment with our specialist in Chicago, we were scheduled for an appointment with her after she had thoroughly reviewed our health history, pregnancy history, families, blood draws, tissues samples … anything and everything that could shed some light on our reproductive past, present and future.
We entered the appointment, so nervously, not knowing what to expect.
She sat us down and said “you should try again…and make it quick, you ovulate next week.”
And so we did. And even though it was a different year, we were right, an April baby is going to be perfect. (or March 29th. Whatever.)
(photo by Love.)
It will be absolutely perfect. He is one lucky little boy to be a part of your family.
James and Jake and the One(s) who looks after them knew which April was meant to be. Counting down these last few moments with you …
Perfect.
You live in my neck of the woods!! I always love when I find bloggers near Chicago! How cool
As for your post, it was beautifully written and so touching! A
Beautiful. Just simply beautiful.
An April baby is so perfect.
What a smart doctor you have!
You are such a wonderful person. Enough said.
Holy Moses. 6 DAYS!!!
God knew the perfect timing for when you and your family would be ready to welcome a new member. Your story regarding the twins is so touching and although one you wouldn’t have chosen for yourself, you are an encouragment for others going through it. Less than a week to go!
That is so, so beautiful. Six days!
That’s exactly what I said… “and April baby would be perfect”! I’m due on the 19th, scheduled for c-section on the 15th. I guess we’ll find out if it’s perfect. Our other 2 were born in July & September.
a march 29th/april baby IS going to be perfect.
there are no words to describe how unbelievably beautiful it was to watch him dance & push on you today. i love him.
Thanks for sharing!
First thing your belly look amazing!
Secondly, baby is coming soon, how exiting!! How do you feel about the upcoming birth of this little one?
I have a feeling it would be perfect no matter what birth month. And that belly? Perfect. Can’t wait to “meet” him!
April babies are the best. I would know.
April babies are wonderful. Your belly shot makes me smile.
Lovely.
I am so glad you have had people like your doctor in your life to help you. Can’t wait to “meet” this miracle in your pictures and words.
Thanks for the design suggestion on Twitter. I can relate to your journey and so glad and excited
for you and your new arrival! Looking
forward to reading about your adventures with a newborn!
Flawless.
april and march 29th babies are wonderful
Your soul family is sweetly anticipating his arrival… We love you guys!
Oh, Beth… the RIVER of YOU is heading to the magnificent LAKE, the grandest and most majestic LAKE, filled with life and colors and wind and waves, a place where butterflies hover and alight and birds sing and dance and make beautiful music and stars and the moon and the sun and nourishing rain make magic reflections and rainbows. All is this is YOU. xo!
perfect and beautiful
That is such a pretty shot with the sunlight and the comfy chair. (Nice job, Love!)
Hey, I just noticed this morning that I’ve got poultry in my fridge whose sell-by date is AFTER your delivery date. Girl, you’re gonna birth that baby before I have to cook my chicken!!!!!!
i can’t wait til next week! it is going to be so exciting to see this wonderful bundle of joy!
Perfect! Absolutely perfect!
Oh my word … seeing your belly like that made me laugh at remembering how big I was. It is beautiful because you are growing one healthy little boy in there! Like the others … can’t wait to meet him through this blog!
Take care of yourself these last few days …
Diane
Just beautiful! =D
I have to agree, perfect is the only word to describe this.
Muah! I’m praying for blessings and joy with this new life. I know you have children but this one will be different this one will be “the first one after…” I’m sure you have experienced this already, and even though I don’t have children I understand this feeling. I’ve had the first date after Mark, the first kiss and now I’m married again. I know that it can be ackward and sad, but remember that now you are creating new firsts with this new life and it won’t always be “the first after…” soon it will be ‘baby’s first ____”
Lovin’ the belly!! Thinkin’ of you guys and praying for this new baby’s safe arrival!
love this….and I think March is perfect too!
Beth:
All I have to say is you are a wonderful beautiful person..I am so happy for you guys..
Sending you all my love…
What a beautiful post. Gives us out here in cyberspace hope who are waiting for the perfect time which is God’s time to conceive again after a loss. God bless you and hold that little one tight.
That was so beautifully written and so touching! I’m glad your April (or March 29th
) is coming so soon! If you had a girl, would you have named it “April”? I think I probably would have…just curious.
love the belly shot-I can’t believe you will be meeting this little guy in less than a week.
First of all I love the photo by Love. (Everything about it)
And, most of all, I love the quote, “you should try again…and make it quick, you ovulate next week.” It really shows where that term ‘gettin’ busy’ might have come from.
Only 5 more days, and despite some negatives (don’t read my post), your post made me smile.
I just can’t wait!
Thank you for this. I lost my second son to stillbirth this past January, and my toddler keeps telling we’ll have a new baby next spring. It feels good to hear that ‘maybe april’ comes eventually.
i always wanted an april baby. because diamonds are perfect.
my first was due in april … and arrived march 28th.
my second was due in early early may … and forsure would be early like her sister, right? she arrived may 3rd.
and surprise baby boy was january.
i’ve decided the diamonds are for me …
March 29th is an awesome day all around! You get to have your baby and I get to have an ultrasound to find out what mine is!
What a beautiful story. I seriously love reading your stuff, it moves me.
what an amazing story. you have been blessed and i can’t wait to congratulate you on that miracle making your tummy look like the skin hurts!!!
This journey. Sometimes we cannot know what lies beyond the clouds. Your joy and reflections come through in each of your posts. Thank you for bringing us all along. I am holding you all in my heart as the day continues to draw near.
March 29th, which is only DAYS away. I’m just bursting with excitement for y’all over here… And yes, it will be PERFECT.
I’m just so happy for you. MUCH LOVE.
a beautiful post. … count-down is almost over! hope it’s wonderful…
So. Much. HAPPY!
You should totally celebrate with more buffalo chicken.
Just perfect, what a perfect day it will be.
I am so excited for you! You are so very close! The last few days are the longest wait!
Our little boy #3 arrived on Tuesday and although it was a hard delivery I am so happy to have him in my arms! And I can;t wait until you can do the same!